Deutsche Telekom has completed what it claims is the world’s first end-to-end data transmission in two network slices on a multi-vendor platform, together with partners Ericsson and Nokia on the network side and Qualcomm Technologies on the terminal side.
This platform integrates Standalone 5G New Radio from Ericsson and a 5G Core from Nokia on a 5G SA (standalone) architecture. The accomplishment in a lab environment validates the feasibility of 5G Network Slicing for customized enterprise solutions.
Network Slicing is a key architectural feature in 5G. It involves the virtual splitting of network resources and paths into so-called Network Slices. Different service characteristics and quality parameters can then be provided per slice according to customer needs.
The data calls were transmitted using a 5G smartphone form factor test device. It is powered by a Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System which enables data transmission over two network slices. The set-up includes an integrated 5G NR Standalone (SA) RAN from Ericsson and the 5G Core (5GC) from Nokia. Both, RAN and Core, were deployed at Deutsche Telekom’s infrastructure in Germany.
Alex Jinsung Choi, SVP Strategy & Technology Innovation, Deutsche Telekom
Full 5G Network Slicing promises to bring a whole new level of service experience for our enterprise customers. Customers should be able to provision slices for a variety of use cases with different service level needs and performance requirements.
Arun Bansal, President and Head of Ericsson Europe & Latin America, Ericsson
Delivering the full potential of end-to-end network slicing requires deploying both 5G Standalone (SA) New Radio and 5G Core. Full automation is key to future network slicing architecture.
